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The veil of negativity on this site has become contagious. It's bad for your health. So get off your computers, and go outside, play with your grandkids, or something...

I like this appointment. Not that I know anything about Robert Younger particularly but I know we absolutely should be investing in analytics. We will never be the biggest club, we have to be smarter than everyone else to get success. Which means smart coaches, smart fitness staff, smart recruiters and giving all of those guys tools to get better at their job. That's what an analytics guy can do. So many trends come and go in footy and the teams that are at the leading edge of those trends win games and win premierships. - The importance of forward pressure and then full ground up and back presses - Left footers kicking from the backline - Intercept markers across half back retaining possession etc etc If I were a coach I'd love to know what skills/plans are actually vital to winning games. And if I were a recruiter I'd like to know what traits are actually the most valuable. Is it size/speed/kicking ability/winning one on ones/winning ground balls. Should we look to trade up the draft for elite talent or is the smarter move to trade back and bank more draft picks.

I think this is a great appointment. There is so much data that it is easy for clubs to drown in it or traditional 'football analysts' to use it simplistically. It takes work and skill converting it to meaningful information that non techies can understand in an instant. That covers both the presentation of data and more importantly providing real insight into a game and extracting the important aspects for decisions and strategy . This is how he described his role at Port, on Linedin: Providing and communicating advanced statistical analysis of game trends, teams, and players to key members within the football department. Presenting team strategy and opposition analysis to the Head Assistant Coach both during the week and on gameday. Maintaining a stable data infrastructure with many different users and active data sources in Adelaide and around the country. Last year the Saints poached the Hawks equivalent to Robert Younger, Darren O'Shaughnessy who had been with Clarkson for 7 years. The is an essential role at a football club and look forward to the impact Rob's work has.

There’s an 87% chance that this is going to benefit the club.

Preuss

I asked a draft watcher today his thoughts on next year’s draft...he was...not complimentary Also said that he doesn’t believe a thing that is said in the media about Melbourne’s trade / draft plans as - since the regime change and Mahoney’s role change - “they don’t leak” He thinks we might trade pick 3 still but if we don’t then we’d be crazy not to pick Young

At 198cm, I don’t think Jackson will ever be a dominant ruckman. He’s a good accumulator around the ground, but he’ll eventually come up against other rucks who are 10cm and 10kg heavier and get pushed around. He also doesn’t have an insane leap like NicNat, who is 202cm, so bigger to start with. His best hope to become a force is as a tall forward or defender, and IMO he doesn’t show the skill level. He’s not a great kick and hasn’t showed he can split packs with big contested marks. Not worth pick 3 IMO.

LH, your research and thoroughness in your posts is impressive. One of the reasons why dl is a legitimate alternative for me to mainstream football media.

Despite some negativity, the club has to continue to get the best available talent on and off the field. Identify the needs and get the best available talent for the role. If the club was not making changes, I would be concerned.

Yeah agree. Just like Yze at the hawks. Everyone bangs on about how great it would have been for the dees to get him to the club. But how did they perform with him the role last year? Yawn from me.

I was hit by a car riding my bike last Jan, and I can say that these things are really [censored]. I get sad when I shouldn't, angry over nothing things, despondent over little things. And this is from someone that never took life seriously... always the joker and the clown. But it can be worked out. With the right people around me things are getting better. Not perfect, and they probably won't ever be, but at least I know that it is not me, but rather me just not processing things the right way, and that means I can take a breath and let whatever it is wash over me. Best of it all Paddy. The game is really a very minor thing in life

If we don't have a strong lead by 5pm, Goodwin needs to do the honourable thing and step down.

I still have hope for Weids. Think he has some good attributes and works hard. Needs a mixture of luck (mostly with injury), confidence and better delivery and he'll start to turn the corner IMO. Was always seen as a longer term prospect. Preuss is just backup. We needed that, and we lost a player who was not worth a lot to us to get him, so a sensible decision IMO.

But should the draft strategy be need > talent? If Jackson turns out to be the best player in the draft on reflection and they didn’t take him because they drafted for need I would be more critical of them. This is hopefully the last time our own pick is this low in a draft for a long while.

You've yawned twice in one page. Time for bed old man

See even Henry is keen to join the Dees.

I have tribe of inlaws in NZ and all you ever hear is about the bloody All Blacks. Best event was them getting done by the poms and not even making the final. Two have tickets to the final, airfares and hotel booked months ago. 2019 has had its upsides.

You can’t say they aren’t trying

This is rubbish. Goodwin has track record as a tactical innovator. The question is, are the idiots brave enough to back the data and innovations or will they continue to scream "kick it long" every chance they get?

Yeah I just watch his highlights, No chance that kids playing AFL round 1, and hes definitely not a forward

Me too. Also getting Langdon and Tomlinson? How did Freo go last year with Langdon they only finished 13th?Tomlinson got smashed in a grand final. Massive yawns for me. We should only be recruiting premiership winners. Jacob Townsend and Chris Mastern are two players who have won premiership recently. Why aren't we going hard at them?

It was Pete Roberts, Football Technology Manager who was part of Mahoney's Football Department. I think he had been there 7/8 years. It is possible that he didn't keep up with industry changes. Glen Luff and Rob Younger are both ex Champion Data so would be really up to date and know how to use the raw data for decision making. We also have two Football Analysts. iirc there was a time when each line coach had their own Data Analyst but that seems to have gone long ago. I would guess the new Data Analyst role supersedes or changes some of Football Analyst/Technology roles. Hopefully the new role is part of the Coaching Group and not part of the Football Department as the coaches will be his primary 'clients' during the season.

To everyone bashing this appointment. I suggest you go on his website and look at the stuff he was putting out there before he signed on with Port. For example http://figuringfooty.com/2016/09/22/a-fresh-way-to-think-about-footy-gws-v-western-bulldogs-guest-post/. If you don't think this type of stuff is valuable. You probably also think think the fat footballers of yesteryear would smash fitter footballers now cause they kicked higher scores.

Firstly, not singling out the poster above, merely using the post as a reference point and there’s quite a few other good examples in this thread... I’m repeatedly surprised by the way “supporters” insist on reducing performance/underperformance to a singular catalyst. “We had a poor season... this one element was the cause!” (Insert Goodwin/Mahoney/McCartney/gameplay/playing list/etc. whatever In this similar case, it’s “Port had 2 consistently middling seasons, therefore their data analyst who we’ve brought on board mustn’t be any good, demonstrated by their lack of improvement” Could it not be a case that there were other factors that led to Port’s underperformance and that the data analysis was adequate or even one of the few bright spots? How could we possibly know? I just shake my head at the narrow-mindedness.

You're ignoring: - the huge range of factors that contribute to a team underperforming - how they might have performed had he NOT been there. (which could have been even worse). Much of which is covered by: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outcome_bias

We need to offer something to get the guy to the club. If Geelong are offering one year, we offer two. If they are offering two, we offer two + one with a trigger. There are at least four clubs looking at him and we're probably the least successful of the lot. We're not going to get him for a one year deal. Beyond that simple fact, one spot on our list simply isn't that big a deal. We just re-signed both Wagners, Dunkley, Baker, Chandler and Lockhart. Is Bennell a worse option to have on our list that any of them? I readily admit that he's a risk and might never even play a senior game for us, but he's certainly not any weaker than the fringe players we have already given contracts to.

Personal bug bear of mine but height is a bit of a useless stat because how long a guys neck and head is can make the difference between 198cm and 202cm. I'd like to know Jackson's height to the top of his shoulders plus his arm wingspan. And his vertical leap which I can't find in the top results from the combine but apparently is quite good all be it not freakish. At his height he might not be able to out jump the 204cm+ rucks but he might have the wingspan and leap to easily compete against the guys of similar stature.

He’s clearly the best ruckman in a very weak draft class for talls, but I don’t think he’ll make the transition to AFL level very smoothly. Even at 199cm, he’ll be the shortest 1st choice ruckman in the league, and he doesn’t have a freakish leap to compete against bigger and more athletic ruckman. He hasn’t shown he has the skills to be a gun KPF or KPD, so I’m not sure where he’s going to excel. Definitely wouldn’t use pick 3 or 8 on him. If we split a pick and got teens picks, then maybe.

Ahhh, beat me to it @deanox Goodwin clearly has been innovative and some would suggest it has been at the detriment to winning matches. Of course (with hindsight) all innovations looks great if you win, and poor if loose. So he's on a bit of a hiding to nothing from some corners...

Imagine being good at something you love and then it gets taken away from you because of concussion. Really heartbreaking for him. I hope the heroes that have had a crack at him take breath and go away. I for one hope he just finds a place where he is happy and can function, footy should be secondary to quality of a life.

Some snippets: One of the first things we got right at Melbourne was cohesion from the top down. The coach has to be given all the responsibility and authority. You can’t have a high-performance manager coming in on top of the coach. teams that win sports championships throughout the world are the best defensively. Offence is talent, and defence is mentality. Build a defence that no other team finds easy to break. It was our mantra at the ­Demons — be the team everyone hates playing. (we are the opposite!) If you’re a behavioural-based team, your performance rarely drops. I think of Hawthorn and the Melbourne Storm. If you’re a talent-based, experimental team, you’ll have your good days when you beat one of the better teams. But it won’t last, and it will crack under pressure (very astute observation)

Not sure where to start with all this tbh. No reason to take him at pick 3 if he's likely available at our next pick. Bizarre comment. The draft is for talent, it's selected in that order. Appreciate your in-depth analysis of watching his highlights, but better footy minds than yours (and mine) made the suggestion he could play round 1.

Maybe they would have been a lot worse without him? Lets not be so quick to punish the club for trying. The HUN talking it up like its a major coup, maybe.. just maybe.. its just good management and we see this role as an important part of the puzzle, it takes a few pieces. The club really is damned if they do and dammed if they dont.

I know this is all a bit of a game with you Ethan, but I can vouch for Ohio David. I went to school with him in the late 1950s and the 60s when we rarely missed going to Melbourne home games together. I moved interstate in 1970, but our passion for the Dees became the the 'glue' that cemented a friendship that has lasted more than 60 years. I promise you, if David is 'Range Rover', you are the equivalent of a Leyland P76, and I respect most of your views far too much to regard you in that light.

Going with 8. Starting with a round 1 Friday night blockbuster against the Suns at the G.

Perhaps a ploy to raise the eyebrows of Freo, in a bid to secure picks 7 and 10 for our no 3... It's going to be a long month.

I'll Put my hand up. i was disappointed we let Watts go and disappointed we let Hogan go. But I didn't know the full story and supported the club. I think we missed both but have also moved forward with a better list. Also disappointed that Frosty's gone but think we have improved the list. Watts and Hogan haven't gone on yet to be unqualified stars of the like of Burgoyne, Jarman, Ablett Wanganeen, who can singlehanded affect a clubs fortunes. I am sure Frosty's not in their league and I reckon we have enough stars to step upthat we will not miss him. im looking for our current list with the new additions to really step up and surprise many other clubs. This is the first year of the Demons. We can win and continue for another 4 years as the kids hit their straps.

Really Rusty by name and Rusty by figures. I believe I am correct in suggesting you catch the most recent podcast with Stephen Smith from Demonland if not one of the other social media groups for the latest figures. My understanding its about 22% and 25,000 members and if you recall the MCC Members was full and packed both Finals last season we played. With record membership in 2019 the MCC membership for MFC I would think would be also a great chance to be a record figure. Remember this is ONE of Gary Perts big aims to raise this aspect of our membership. I have read pretty well total negativity on the appointment of the Port figures/tactics and ideas back up man. My take is he is probably a replAcement for Jennings. We are damned if we DO and damned if we DON'T. Changes have been asked for demanded in fact and Coaching Fitness And Back Room ie OFF FIELD and so far without really landing a complete game changer or Star Tommo and Langdon add depth and run and versatility to our list. I totally expect Burgess to have a big effect on conditioning and preparation and make our players physical prep a HUGE improvement on 2019. A Sam Gray or that type plus the potential of Hayden Young At No 3 and a No 8 pick of either Ash Jackson Weightman or Serong plus a PSD choice would be good additions to the 2020 list and going forward. The doomsayers talking basket case are far off the mark and one season of down results does not make this a summer of failures with this list and changes made so far in prep for 2020 and beyond.0

Or of the big positives for me. Was actually playing good footy down back, but then moved forward and showed that he had the tricks and trade to become a genuine key forward. There were times where he marked the ball one touch without any fumbals. I believe he has been told that he will be training with the forwards during the pre season which will give us another good marking option alongside Weideman and McDonald. Is at a good height at 197cm tall and 92k. I expect him to add more size to his frame so he can get to that 100kg mark and really starting his using frame a bit more. Absolutely something to work with here.

Hopefully Dr Brukner can shave some hip bone of Tracc, looks fat.

A great pick-up for MFC stepped in and filled a number of roles for the Dee's at crucial times, I hope that he continues to improve his ball use and holds down a spot in our best 22 - 25 players. - Well done Marty Hore.............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is one of those 'high risk, high reward' trades that some people complain we never do. If it comes off, we've gained a gun player as the steak knives in the May trade. If it doesn't, people criticise the risky trade and bemoan us not taking a safer route.

The Hun are reporting we've poached a data analyst from Port. "The Demons have poached Robert Younger after a two-year stint at the Power to bolster the club’s statistical analysis arm. In the role, Younger, who created the website ‘Figuring Footy’, will try and keep the Demons at the forefront of the AFL’s latest game trends." https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/melbourne-poach-data-analyst-from-port-adelaide-for-season-2020/news-story/b6c391422e17bccee46ff2d6caac5801

Nice to wake up and win on a Monday morning hey Wadda. A nice 3 figure collect! We got in sync for once. Now to get on a roll Winners are grinners!

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes ...............well done Monkeys ! LIverpool 2-1 Mochengladbach 4-2 Sporting CP 3-1

This is the reason i clicked onto this thread, im hoping someone who ACTUALLY KNOWS something can give us an insight.... how severe are the symptoms? Do we have any time frame? was he doing any contact work towards the end of the year or was he just working on fitness or nothing at all? is that bad that he has been written off? Look at paddy mccartins case, this is no joke so people questioning his drive and commitment with out knowing are idiotic. As for calling him stake knives and a waste.... do you remember when he actually nominated this club? For me it was finally a time where we where beginning to become some what of a destination club, also people that know more about him know he is a very talented player so 300k a year really isnt surprising....

Sunday Silence is the one you’re thinking of Macca. Won 2 legs of the ’89 Triple Crown before going down narrowly to Easy Goer in the Belmont. YouTube it – it’s one of the great home straight duels, reminiscent of Bonecrusher v Our Waverley Star. He sired some absolute crackers in Japan including Deep Impact, Manhattan Café, Zenno Rob Roy & Heart’s Cry to name a few. Heart’s Cry sired Saturday’s Cox Plate winner Lys Gracieux and the ill-dated Caulfield Cup winner Admire Rakti. As a sire of sires Sunday Silence has had a profound influence on Japanese racing. I think it was Arrowfield who sent mares to him in Japan a while back. Sunday Joy was the result of one mating. She went on win an AJC Oaks. Can’t recall what became of the others. The Japanese are mad for Arc winners. I think winning that is their Holy Grail. Tony Bin, Helissio, Workforce & Carnegie are a few of the Arc winners they’ve imported to stand at stud. Their “Triple Crown” races go from 2000 metres to 2400 metres with the third leg at 3000 metres and they breed accordingly. We on the other hand have an industry which has spent the last 50 years trying to win a Golden Slipper. We’ve managed to produce the odd champion middle distance horse – Winx, So You Think etc but when you see veterans like Hartnell (imported) and Black Heart Bart still competitive on our WFA races, it’s a damning indictment on the depth of our ranks above 1200 metres

If anyone says Trac is overweight they are either blind in both eyes or are so biased against him they should resign as a Dees supporter. Great signs of a useful 2 months since August. Now Trac can practice his goalkicking from set positions and not worry about his alleged fitness worries.

Who is Mahoney?